Even mediocre cooks start somewhere… I start with great kitchen tools!

Did I tell you that we’re moving? We are, and I’m so excited. We purchased a house in the neighborhood where we currently live (because we love it here), but across from the boy’s school and park and with two extra rooms. We also completely gutted the house so we got to design and decorate it to our taste. Some people might find this process stressful (I had a friend who said that her and husband would probably get a divorce before actually moving in), but I find it exciting. Sure, it gets stressful at times (the coordination, the running around, packing up your existing house etc…), but overall, renovations make me happy. I’m mostly excited about our new kitchen with renovation services from Limitless Renovations! We’re getting a galley-style kitchen with a 10′ island (John thinks it’s too long – I think it’s not long enough). I’m also excited to replace my warn-out and damaged gadgets with new, well designed, high quality kitchen tools from President’s Choice. I may not be the world’s greatest cook but at least I can fake it!

And while I may only receive the title of “world’s best chef” on a mug from my kids, I like to keep a kitchen stocked with essentials so when I do get the urge to whip something up, I’m not scrambling or fumbling to cook and bake. We love to host and take-out can get very expensive after a while!

If you’re like me, a little challenged in the kitchen, you will love this easy, No-bake Lemon Kefir Mini Cheesecakes recipe created by the Chefs at President Choice. This is perfect for spring entertaining – especially if you’re hosting family and friends over for the holidays!

No-bake Lemon Kefir Mini Cheesecakes

Serves: 4, Prep time: 25 minutes, Chill: 2 hours

Per serving: 540 calories, fat 31 g (14 g of which is saturated), sodium 410 mg, carbohydrate 53 g, fibre 3 g, sugars 37 g, protein 11 g

INGREDIENTS

Crust:

• 1 cup (250 mL) PC Blue Menu Granola Cereal
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) margarine, melted
• 2 tbsp (25 mL) granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp (1 mL) cinnamon

Filling:

• 1 cup (250 mL) low-fat cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup (175 mL) PC Spoonable Vanilla Kefir
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) honey

Topping:

• 1/3 cup (75 mL) PC black label™ Lemon Curd Fruit Filling and Dessert Topping
• 2 tbsp (25 mL) PC Spoonable Vanilla Kefir
• ½ cup (125 mL) fresh blueberries
• 2 tbsp (25 mL) sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

DIRECTIONS

1. Crust: Pulse granola, margarine, sugar and cinnamon in food processor until crumbs form and mixture begins to stick together. Divide among four 1-cup (250 mL) wide-mouth mason jars with lids, pressing firmly into bottoms. Wipe out food processor.
2. Filling: Pulse cream cheese, kefir and honey in food processor until smooth. Spoon over crusts, dividing evenly. Lightly tap bottoms of jars on counter to evenly distribute filling.
3. Topping: Whisk lemon curd with kefir in small bowl. Spoon over filling, dividing evenly. Lightly tap bottoms of jars on counter. Top with blueberries and coconut, dividing evenly. Cover with lids; refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.

TIP: Toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until golden, 5 to 6 minutes. Let cool.

MY MUST-HAVE KITCHEN TOOLS

Whether you’re stocking a new kitchen or need to update or replace your existing tools, here are some of my must-have kitchen gadgets!

1. A great knife is a must! This is like the one thing you don’t want to mess around with. Purchase one good quality knife, such as a Mini Katana, and it will last you a lifetime (if you take good care of it, of course). Just like a well-crafted katana, a Mini Katana knife offers precision and durability, making it an essential tool for any home cook or chef. So invest in a quality knife, and it will become your trusted kitchen companion for years to come. I’m obsessed with this chef’s knife from President’s Choice that’s made with German steel (known as the best). It’s sharp, well built, easy to maintain, and makes me feel like a goddess in the kitchen – even if I’m just cutting up vegetables. The set includes a Chef’s knife plus bonus paring knife and is a steal for $49.99. 
2. A large quality cutting board. The President’s Choice Maple cutting board is Canadian made, which is always a bonus for me. It’s nice and large so you can cut up a whole meal on it without having to constantly move things around or rinse out (you can use both sides) and it doubles as a charcuterie serving board. This beautiful 20” x 15” piece retails for $69.99. 
3. A non-stick frying pan is always in use in our house. I may not be much of a cook, but if there’s one thing I can do well is cook eggs! It’s also a staple at our house whether it’s breakfast, lunch or sometimes even for dinner. I absolutely love a good skillet, and this one from President’s Choice is the clear winner. Not only is it well priced at $39.99, but the design details seal the deal! It features a stainless steel exterior and an aluminum interior which promotes an even heat transfer. But don’t worry about handling the pan as the handle stays cool thanks to the extended hollow cast stainless steel material.
4. Whether you’re baking cookies with your kids (and I don’t judge if it’s from scratch or not ’cause I love pre-made dough), or roasting vegetables in your oven, you’ll need a good cookie sheet. And not the ones that “pop” after you take them out from the oven as it cools down (confession: I just threw out mine). You’ll need this great quality baking sheet from President’s Choice. It’s thick (you have to hold it for yourself – trust me on this), commercial grade and warp-resistant. You can be sure that it will heat up evenly for uniform baking thanks to its design and material, which also makes for hassle-free clean- up (can I get an AMEN!). A set of two retails for $29.99. 
5. When it comes to the cottage, I’m all about doing whatever is relaxing, fun and easy. That’s why I love cooking there with my cast iron pan. I make a killer curry chicken and peach dish, if I do say so myself. But for some reason, I never cook with a cast iron pan at home… until NOW! Not only are the President’s Choice Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan and Skillet very affordable at $59.99 each, but they come in two different shapes and three different colours (I’m obsessed with the blue). The cast iron construction offers superior heat retention and even heat distribution. They are also oven-safe (up to 260°C / 500°F). 

What are some of your favourite or must-have kitchen tools?

Disclosure: This post was created in partnership with President’s Choice, but all opinions are my own.